The 'emotional cost' of entrepreneurship: What you won't hear @warikoo say

The 'emotional cost' of entrepreneurship: What you won't hear @warikoo say | NL Interviews TEASER

5 months ago 51

#ankurwarikoo #entrepreneurship #indiabusiness Watch the full interview: https://www.newslaundry.com/2026/02/18/ankur-warikoo-on-overrated-founders-99-privilege-and-the-business-of-selling-advice Ankur Warikoo is someone who turned his ‘failure resume’ into a blueprint for success. Whether he's treating life like a video game with multiple restarts or mentoring founders on TV, he has become a permanent fixture of YouTube – a steady source of positive advice for a generation trying to find its way. In this sharp and probing conversation with Abhinandan Sekhri, content creator and entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo opens up about the emotional cost of entrepreneurship, the limits of positivity, and what pisses him off. Abhinandan remarks that the notion that everyone must be a founder is “overrated,” noting that “managers are rarer than founders.” Responding to this, Ankur recalls, “I remember I got trolled when I put it on LinkedIn that it's okay to have a 9-to-5 job. They [trolls] said, ‘How can you say that? Our country is a country of startup founders, etc.’ You have to recognise that in this universe, not more than 5 percent will be founders, the rest will be employees.” The discussion then pivots to the ‘emotional cost’ of entrepreneurship. While the lifestyle is often sold as ‘cool’, Warikoo points to a darker reality: “But what people don’t tell you is how it feels when you have to tell your employees that 40 percent of them have to be laid off, not because of anything they did, but because of you.” Abhinandan challenges the narrative Ankur has built around himself – the story of hitting ‘rock bottom’ and ‘reinventing’ himself at 40. While inspiring, Abhinandan notes, “But that is the power of narrative building which cannot always be authentic.” Ankur addresses this by highlighting the pressure on the younger generation: “There are so many kids that I speak to who do not clear the IIT-JEE exam. They are like, ‘my life is over’... They are under the impression that Ankur Warikoo has never lost in life. But now we have this laundry list of things that he has failed at.” However, Abhinandan counters that failure shouldn’t be celebrated and asks about the downside of spreading a message that "everything is great" when it isn't. “Because that doesn't sell…” Ankur replies. “The question you're asking is equivalent to asking Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Why would you not show the reality of love?’” Full interview out soon for subscribers. Come build the future of news: https://rzp.io/rzp/NL14 Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry

The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens

Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.

Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.

The Need for Upilink News

In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.

Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.

Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.

The Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.

Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters

Free Access for All

At Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.

Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism

To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.

By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.

Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability

In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.

In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.

Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.